Home Australia Bali Nine member’s fresh arrest has sparked a major debate between crime experts

Bali Nine member’s fresh arrest has sparked a major debate between crime experts

0 comments
Matthew Norman has been charged over an alleged carjacking that occurred almost 20 years ago, before his failed drug smuggling mission to Indonesia.

Police in New South Wales have divided crime experts for arresting a Bali Nine member just weeks after his return home, with one arguing he has been “sufficiently punished”.

Matthew Norman has been charged over an alleged carjacking that occurred almost 20 years ago, before his failed drug smuggling mission to Indonesia.

He was put back behind bars in Sydney on Monday when police denied him bail. Later that day, Magistrate Stephen Barlow granted his release.

The arrest came weeks after Norman and four other members of the Bali Nine, who had served almost 20 years in Bali prisons, were freed and flown home.

Former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina told the Daily Mail that Australia had a responsibility to arrest Norman over the alleged car theft.

“Serious crimes have no time limit,” Mr. Bezzina said.

‘Just because he’s been locked up for 20 years doesn’t mean they’re going to ignore any previous (alleged) crimes that were committed.

‘I would criticize the New South Wales police if they didn’t act. Congratulations to the New South Wales Police.

Matthew Norman has been charged over an alleged carjacking that occurred almost 20 years ago, before his failed drug smuggling mission to Indonesia.

Criminal psychologist Dr Tim Watson-Munro told Daily Mail Australia that Norman had been through enough.

Criminal psychologist Dr Tim Watson-Munro told Daily Mail Australia that Norman had been through enough.

But criminal psychologist Dr Tim Watson-Munro told Daily Mail Australia that Norman had been through enough.

“My personal opinion is that it’s a bit rich, this guy has been punished enough already,” Dr Watson-Munro said.

‘I guess they’re just following the letter of the law. If he pleaded guilty, one would hope he would simply be released; I think that would be a fair and reasonable result.’

Norman was 18 at the time of the alleged robbery and is now 38. He served almost 20 years in prison in Bali for heroin trafficking.

Dr. Watson-Munro said after Norman’s ordeal, “the last thing a person would need is to be re-exposed to the criminal justice system here.”

“I think it would be cruel and unusual punishment to send him back to jail at this point. This guy has clearly rung the bell.

‘Generally speaking, one could assume that he has matured and is looking to have a new life in Australia.

“One would hope that he would be released, without undermining the authority of the court.”

His new role comes after he made a secret pilgrimage to his mother’s grave.

Norman has been charged with an alleged carjacking that occurred almost 20 years ago, before his failed drug smuggling mission to Indonesia.

Norman has been charged with an alleged carjacking that occurred almost 20 years ago, before his failed drug smuggling mission to Indonesia.

Norman has been living in a Christian family's $4 million home in Torquay, on Great Ocean Road south of Melbourne, since his release and attending a local church.

Norman has been living in a Christian family’s $4 million home in Torquay, on Great Ocean Road south of Melbourne, since his release and attending a local church.

Norman’s mother, Robyn, never got to see her son released from prison before she died in January 2024, while he was still serving nearly 20 years for heroin trafficking.

But after his sudden release from Bali’s notorious Kerobokan prison last month, one of the first things Norman, 38, did upon his return to Australia was visit his grave.

He has been living in a $4 million house in Torquay, on Great Ocean Road south of Melbourne, since his release and attending a local church.

The property is owned by Christian couple Ann and Alan Wilkins, who offered it to Norman after forming a close relationship with him while he was in prison.

Norman’s Indonesian wife Anita, who has joined him as he rebuilds his life in his home country, says he is slowly settling back into a life as a free man.

“Thank you to all our lovely friends who continue to pray for this miracle,” he posted on Facebook.

‘Rejoice, happiness. He visited the grave of his mother, his father, his father and his sisters, uncles and nephews.

New South Wales Police allege Norman and his Bali Nine counterpart Renae Lawrence stole a white Ford Laser hatchback from Gosford in March 2005.

The couple allegedly went for a walk that ended when police stopped them with road spikes.

Norman faced court over the alleged crime in 2005, but was released on bail and left the country to embark on a drug smuggling trip to Indonesia.

He was sentenced to death in 2006 after being caught trying to smuggle more than 8 kilos of heroin out of Bali.

Norman, the youngest member of the Bali Nine, was just 18 years old when he was arrested. In the photo he is accompanied to his sentencing trial in Bali in 2006.

Norman, the youngest member of the Bali Nine, was just 18 years old when he was arrested. In the photo he is accompanied to his sentencing trial in Bali in 2006.

Former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina told Daily Mail Australia that New South Wales Police had a responsibility to act.

Former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina told Daily Mail Australia that New South Wales Police had a responsibility to act.

The sentence was reduced to life imprisonment in 2008.

His sudden release from Bali’s notorious Kerobokan prison last month came as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured a deal with the Indonesian government.

Lawrence was initially sentenced to life in prison for her role in attempting to smuggle heroin out of Bali. However, his sentence was later reduced to 20 years following an appeal.

She then received numerous reductions for “good behavior” before being released in November 2018 and flying back to Australia.

You may also like